SYLLABUS

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies

8053
For examination in November 2014

University of Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a Centre. University of Cambridge International Examinations 2011

Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Why choose Cambridge? Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level? Why choose Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies? Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma How can I find out more?

2. Assessment at a glance .................................................................................................. 5 3. Syllabus aims and objectives .......................................................................................... 6

3.1 Aims 3.2 Assessment objectives and their weightings

4. Syllabus content .............................................................................................................. 7 5. Resources for teachers ................................................................................................... 8 6. Additional information ..................................................................................................... 9
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Guided learning hours Recommended prior learning Progression Component codes Grading and reporting Access Resources

Introduction

1.
1.1

Introduction
Why choose Cambridge?

University of Cambridge International Examinations is the worlds largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are part of the University of Cambridge, trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the worlds universities and employers.

Recognition
A Cambridge International AS or A Level is recognised around the world by schools, universities and employers. The qualifications are accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide, though some courses do require specific subjects. Cambridge International A Levels typically take two years to complete and offer a flexible course of study that gives students the freedom to select subjects that are right for them. Cambridge International AS Levels often represent the first half of an A Level course but may also be taken as a freestanding qualification. They are accepted in all UK universities and carry half the weighting of an A Level. University course credit and advanced standing is often available for Cambridge International A/AS Levels in countries such as the USA and Canada. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition

Excellence in education
We understand education. We work with over 9000 schools in over 160 countries who offer our programmes and qualifications. Understanding learners needs around the world means listening carefully to our community of schools, and we are pleased that 98 % of Cambridge schools say they would recommend us to other schools. Our mission is to provide excellence in education, and our vision is that Cambridge learners become confident, responsible, innovative and engaged. Cambridge programmes and qualifications help Cambridge learners to become: confident in working with information and ideas their own and those of others responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others innovative and equipped for new and future challenges engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Support in the classroom

We provide a world-class support service for Cambridge teachers and exams officers. We offer a wide range of teacher materials to Cambridge schools, plus teacher training (online and face-to-face), expert advice and learner-support materials. Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams entry and excellent, personal support from our customer services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers

Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge

We are a part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge and a not-for-profit organisation. We invest constantly in research and development to improve our programmes and qualifications.

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Introduction

1.2 Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level?

Cambridge International AS and A Levels have a proven reputation for preparing students well for university, employment and life. They help develop the in-depth subject knowledge and understanding which are so important to universities and employers. You can offer almost any combination of 55 subjects. Students can specialise or study a range of subjects, ensuring breadth. Giving students the power to choose helps motivate them throughout their studies. Cambridge International AS and A Level gives you building blocks to build an individualised curriculum that develops your learners knowledge, understanding and skills in: in-depth subject content independent thinking applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations handling and evaluating different types of information sources thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments making judgements, recommendations and decisions presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them clearly and logically working and communicating in English.

The syllabuses are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools and avoid cultural bias.

1.3 Why choose Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies?

By following the Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies syllabus, candidates will: develop an enquiring and critical approach to the study of fundamental questions of Islamic practices, beliefs, morality and interpretations gain an understanding of the religious writings, history and current affairs of Islam and be able to think and argue intelligently about the subject be introduced to a broad range of topics, ranging from the beginnings of Islam and the evolution, content and role of the Holy Quran, to the beliefs and practices of Islam and the bases of Islamic Law learn more about the dynasties and religious thought of early Islam, the variety in Islamic beliefs and the role played by Islam in the world today.

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Introduction

1.4 Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma

Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma is the group award of Cambridge International AS and A Level. Cambridge AICE Diploma involves the selection of subjects from three curriculum groups Mathematics and Science; Languages; Arts and Humanities. A Cambridge International A Level counts as a double-credit qualification and a Cambridge International AS Level as a single-credit qualification within the Cambridge AICE Diploma award framework. To be considered for an AICE Diploma, a candidate must earn the equivalent of six credits by passing a combination of examinations at either double credit or single credit, with at least one course coming from each of the three curriculum areas. The AICE Diploma is comprised of examinations administered in May/June and October/November series each year. Islamic Studies (8053) falls into Group 3, Arts and Humanities. Learn more about the AICE Diploma at http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/aice

1.5 How can I find out more?

If you are already a Cambridge school
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please contact us at international@cie.org.uk

If you are not yet a Cambridge school

Learn about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school at www.cie.org.uk/startcambridge. Email us at international@cie.org.uk to find out how your organisation can become a Cambridge school.

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Assessment at a glance

2.

Assessment at a glance

Candidates studying Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies take one examination paper, lasting three hours. This is the same paper as Paper 1 for the A Level (syllabus code 9013). Results in Cambridge International AS Level may not be carried over to the A level. Paper 1 There are four sections. Candidates answer five questions, choosing at least one from each section: A The Beginnings of Islam B The Holy Quran C Beliefs and Practices of Islam D The Bases of Islamic Law There will be a choice of at least three questions in each section. 3 hours

Availability
This syllabus is examined in the October/November examination series. This syllabus is available to private candidates. Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus.

Combining this with other syllabuses

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except: syllabuses with the same title at the same level 9013 Islamic Studies Syllabus

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Syllabus aims and objectives

3.

Syllabus aims and objectives

3.1 Aims
The aims of the syllabus are to: motivate candidates to develop an enquiring and critical approach to the study of fundamental questions of religious practices, beliefs, morality and interpretations explore these issues within the context of a religious tradition or traditions.

To achieve these aims, candidates will be required to gain some understanding of the religious writings, history and current affairs of Islam and be able to think and argue intelligently about the subject.

3.2 Assessment objectives and their weightings

Candidates will be assessed on their: AO1: Knowledge of the topics and specified texts. AO2: Understanding of the meaning and significance of the material studied. AO3: Ability to express themselves explicitly, logically and critically in any argument. The assessment objectives are weighted in the following way: Assessment objective AO1 AO2 AO3 Weighting 60% 25% 15%

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Syllabus content

4.

Syllabus content

Section A: The Beginnings of Islam

Pre-Islamic Arabia: social and economic conditions, beliefs and customs The life of the Prophet (pbuh): his early years and the first period of his proclamations to 622, his challenge to the beliefs of Mecca, the successful years at Medina until his death, his sense of being chosen as Gods messenger, his role as prophet and statesman The Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs: the main events of their caliphates, the challenges they faced, their achievements in maintaining and extending the rule of Islam

Section B: The Holy Quran

Its mode of revelation, its compilation in the early years of Islam, its structure and major themes A detailed study of the following surahs: al-Fatihah 1 al-Baqarah 2:1193 Al Imran 3:3562 al-Anbiya 21:50112 al-Qasas 28:144 al-Duha 93 al-Qadr 97 al-Takathur 102 al-Kafirun 109 al-Ikhlas 112

Its authority and place in Islamic beliefs, its relationship with other sources of knowledge

Section C: Beliefs and Practices of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam: Declaration of Faith (Shahadah), Prayer (Salat ), Almsgiving (Zakat ), Fasting (Sawm), Pilgrimage (Hajj ); their function in bringing the individual closer to God and in binding the community together; their meaning in Islamic beliefs Festivals and religious observances: Id al-Fitr, Id al-Adha, marriages, funerals The Articles of Faith: God, his being and relationship with the created world, Angels, Books, Prophets, and particularly the significance of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as model of behaviour, Resurrection and the Day of Judgement; jihad, the nature and destiny of humanity, the command to enjoin good and prohibit wrong, Gods predestination of all events

Section D: The Bases of Islamic Law

The Holy Quran as source of all teachings in Islam, methods of interpreting its teachings The Prophets Sunnah as a source of guidance for Muslims; its relationship to the Holy Quran The importance of the Shariah in the life of Muslim communities and individuals; the function of consensus (ijma ), analogy (qiyas) and individual endeavour (ijtihad ) in legal thinking

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Resources for teachers

5.

Resources for teachers

Title The Meaning of the Holy Quran The Religion of Islam 1999 Taj Company, 3151 Turkman Gate, Delhi 110006; S. Chand & Co Arewa Books, Ibadan, Nigeria; Arnold Overseas Argus Communications, Niles, Illinois Macmillan, London Palgrave Macmillan Ltd, London Suhail Academy, Lahore; Islamic Texts Society; SCM Press; London Muhammed Ashraf, Lahore 2000 Routledge, London Date Publisher ISBN 0915957590 8121900794

Author translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali Mawlana Muhammad Ali A. Rahman I. Doi I.R. al-Faruqi P.K. Hitti

Introduction to the Quran Islam History of the Arabs

1981 1979 1964 2002 1983 1994 1997

0340267054 0895050226 0333631420

M. Lings J. Jomier M. Ali Khan A. Rippin

Muhammad, his life based on the earliest sources The Great Themes of the Quran The Pious Caliphs Muslims, their Religious Beliefs and Practices (second edition)

0946621330 03340027144 9698108002 0415217822

N. Robinson H.U.W. Stanton W.M. Watt

Islam, a Concise Introduction The Teaching of the Quran Muhammad, Prophet and Statesman

1998 1919, 1987 1961, 1974

Routledge Curzon, Taylor and Francis Books Darf Publishers, London Oxford University Press, Oxford

0700711007 185077157X 0198810784

Resources are also listed on Cambridges public website at www.cie.org.uk. Please visit this site on a regular basis as the Resource lists are updated throughout the year. Access to teachers email discussion groups, suggested schemes of work and regularly updated resource lists may be found on the Cambridge Teacher Support website at http://teachers.cie.org.uk. This website is available to teachers at registered Cambridge Centres.

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Additional information

6.

Additional information

6.1 Guided learning hours

Cambridge International AS Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that candidates have about 180 guided learning hours per subject over the duration of the course. (Guided learning hours include direct teaching and any other supervised or directed study time. They do not include private study by the candidate.) However, these figures are for guidance only, and the number of hours required may vary according to local curricular practice and the candidates prior experience of the subject.

6.2 Recommended prior learning

Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied Islam or Religious Studies previously.

6.3 Progression
Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies constitutes the first half of the Cambridge International A Level course in Islamic Studies and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Islam at A Level and thence for related courses in higher education. Depending on local university entrance requirements, it may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in Islam or some other subjects. It is also suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in Islam or Religious Studies, or as part of a course of general education.

6.4 Component codes

Because of local variations, in some cases component codes will be different in instructions about making entries for examinations and timetables from those printed in this syllabus, but the component names will be unchanged to make identification straightforward.

6.5 Grading and reporting

Cambridge International AS Level results are shown by one of the grades a, b, c, d or e indicating the standard achieved, Grade a being the highest and Grade e the lowest. Ungraded indicates that the candidate has failed to reach the standard required for a pass at Cambridge International AS Level. Ungraded will be reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate. For languages other than English, Cambridge will also report separate speaking endorsement grades (Distinction, Merit and Pass) for candidates who satisfy the conditions stated in the syllabus. The content and difficulty of a Cambridge International AS Level examination is equivalent to the first half of a corresponding Cambridge International A Level.

Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

Additional information

Percentage uniform marks are also provided on each candidates statement of results to supplement their grade for a syllabus. They are determined in this way: A candidate who obtains the minimum mark necessary for a Grade a obtains a percentage uniform mark of 80%. the minimum mark necessary for a Grade b obtains a percentage uniform mark of 70%. the minimum mark necessary for a Grade c obtains a percentage uniform mark of 60%. the minimum mark necessary for a Grade d obtains a percentage uniform mark of 50%. the minimum mark necessary for a Grade e obtains a percentage uniform mark of 40%. no marks receives a percentage uniform mark of 0%. Candidates whose mark is none of the above receive a percentage mark in between those stated according to the position of their mark in relation to the grade thresholds (i.e. the minimum mark for obtaining a grade). For example, a candidate whose mark is halfway between the minimum for a Grade c and the minimum for a Grade d (and whose grade is therefore d) receives a percentage uniform mark of 55%. The percentage uniform mark is stated at syllabus level only. It is not the same as the raw mark obtained by the candidate, since it depends on the position of the grade thresholds (which may vary from one series to another and from one subject to another) and it has been turned into a percentage.

6.6 Access
Reasonable adjustments are made for disabled candidates in order to enable them to access the assessments and to demonstrate what they know and what they can do. For this reason, very few candidates will have a complete barrier to the assessment. Information on reasonable adjustments is found in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from the website www.cie.org.uk Candidates who are unable to access part of the assessment, even after exploring all possibilities through reasonable adjustments, may still be able to receive an award based on the parts of the assessment they have taken.

6.7 Resources
Copies of syllabuses, the most recent question papers and Principal Examiners reports for teachers are on the Syllabus and Support Materials CD-ROM, which we send to all Cambridge International Schools. They are also on our public website go to www.cie.org.uk/alevel. Click the Subjects tab and choose your subject. For resources, click Resource List. You can use the Filter by list to show all resources or only resources categorised as Endorsed by Cambridge. Endorsed resources are written to align closely with the syllabus they support. They have been through a detailed quality-assurance process. As new resources are published, we review them against the syllabus and publish their details on the relevant resource list section of the website. Additional syllabus-specific support is available from our secure Teacher Support website http://teachers.cie.org.uk which is available to teachers at registered Cambridge schools. It provides past question papers and examiner reports on previous examinations, as well as any extra resources such as schemes of work or examples of candidate responses. You can also find a range of subject communities on the Teacher Support website, where Cambridge teachers can share their own materials and join discussion groups.

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Cambridge International AS Level Islamic Studies 8053

University of Cambridge International Examinations 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558 Email: international@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk University of Cambridge International Examinations 2011

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